Consolidated Balance Sheets (Parenthetical) (USD $) In Thousands, except Share data, unless otherwise specified	Mar. 31, 2013	Sep. 30, 2012
Consolidated Balance Sheets [Abstract]
Costs and estimated earnings on long-term contracts, progress billings	$ 15,214	$ 30,534
Advance payments on long-term contracts, costs incurred	$ 39,186	$ 31,534
Preferred stock, par value	$ 0.01	$ 0.01
Preferred stock, shares authorized	10,000,000	10,000,000
Common stock, par value	$ 0.01	$ 0.01
Common stock, shares authorized	50,000,000	50,000,000
Common stock, shares issued	30,147,204	30,044,486
Treasury stock, shares	3,714,607	3,453,249